CEOs of 145 companies urge Senate to pass gun control laws

Moms Demand Action hosted an in-depth rally and rally at Foley Square to honor the victims of gun violence and to urge our legislators to take action and to remind members of Congress of the urgency to vote for gun safety this year. [19659002] Erik McGregor | LightRocket | Getty Images

Leaders for 145 companies wrote a letter to the Senate Thursday urging the state agency to take action against gun security.

The letter recently notes gun violence in Chicago, Newport News, Virginia and other places and calls it a "public health crisis." But the leader also says gun violence can be prevented, and legislators can step in to prevent tragedy.

"This is why we urge the Senate to stand with the American public and take measures against gun safety by submitting a bill to require background checks on all gun sales and a strong red flag law that would allow courts to issue life-saving orders on extreme risk protection, "they wrote in the letter.

The Red Flag Act, also known as Extreme Risk Law, allows family members or law enforcement to petition a court to prevent someone from temporarily obtaining firearms.

"These proposals are common sense, bipartisan and are widely supported by the American public. It's time for the Senate to take action," concludes the letter

Edward Stack, CEO of Dick's Sporting Products, also signed the letter. The dealer stopped selling guns in 1

25 stores this year and stopped selling assault-style violence after the Parkland shooting in 2018.

Bain Capital, the private limited company founded by Mitt Romney, had several signatories to the letter including John Connaughton and Jonathan Lavine, managing partners and Josh Bekenstein and Steve Pagliuca, Co-Chair.

Thrive Capital's Joshua Kushner, who is also the brother of the White House adviser and President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, also signed the letter. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The letter comes because companies have been forced to count on the risk of mass displacements being their business. Earlier in September, Walmart returned dramatically from ammunition sales after two shots in its stores this summer. The largest retailer in the world also asked Walmart and Sam's Club customers to no longer openly carry firearms, a move that other retailers have since recalled.

The Democrats have been pushing for universal background checks. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Senator Chuck Schumer sent a letter to Trump on Sunday demanding that he express support for the policy.

Earlier this year, legislators in the House of Representatives passed legislation that would strengthen federal background control laws. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has said he wants clear support from Trump for the Senate to vote on the measure.

A spokesman for Schumer said he would probably address the letter on the Senate floor Thursday. Officials at McConnell's office were not immediately available for comment.

The news of the letter was first reported by the New York Times. Read the letter here.